A.J. Hinch’s Tarik Skubal, Javier Baez injury updates will catch Tigers fans’ attention

As Detroit Tigers star pitcher Tarik Skubal took a big step in his recovery on Tuesday after getting surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow, the same positive progression can’t be said regarding Javier Baez. With the Tigers slugger in Baez placed on the injured list (IL) earlier this month, manager A.J. Hinch would give an update on Baez, but also Skubal as well.

Ahead of Tuesday’s start to the series against the Los Angeles Angels, Hinch would speak about Skubal throwing to live batters on Tuesday, where he threw 39 pitches, simulating 2.2 innings, per Cody Stavenhagen. Hinch would say that the live batting practice was “really encouraging,” with the next step being to throw against more hitters on Sunday before recording a rehab start, via Jason Beck.

“A.J. Hinch called Skubal’s live BP ‘really encouraging.’ He’ll throw to hitters again on Sunday, building up in volume. Skubal will throw a rehab start before returning from injured list, Hinch reiterated,” Beck wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Tarik Skubal threw 39 pitches and simulated 2.2 innings. Jahmai Jomes hit a home run. Skubal struck out three batters https://t.co/Q8WlU7NPkH

— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) May 26, 2026

As for Baez, he’s missed a bevy of time due to a right ankle injury, as Hinch would say that the issue has “not progressed as hoped.”

“Javy Báez will see a specialist for his right ankle injury, which has not progressed as hoped, according to manager A.J. Hinch,” Beck wrote.

A question mark on Tigers’ return of Tarik Skubal, Javier Baez

Looking at Baez so far this season with the Tigers, he has recorded a .256 batting average to go along with two home runs and six RBIs in 24 games. While a return for Baez seems far, one for Skubal could be closer than some may think, though he warned last Thursday of wanting to return fully healthy.

“But it is kind of day by day,” Skubal said, via Stavenhagen. “It is how I feel and how I bounce back. Tomorrow, how I wake up, how I feel is going to be important. I anticipate it’s going to be really well because I feel great right now.”

At any rate, it remains to be seen when both Skubal and Baez return for Detroit.

The post A.J. Hinch’s Tarik Skubal, Javier Baez injury updates will catch Tigers fans’ attention appeared first on ClutchPoints.